saintwarwick Posted 31 July, 2009 Share Posted 31 July, 2009 Agreed. Players like Bell get stick, but Bopara is just as bad IMO. Does well against the lesser nations, but just isn't up for it against the top teams. He has the talent just needs guidance in the right direction. As for not being up for it against the top teams he's only played 8 tests and is only 24 so it's a bit early to pass judgment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 31 July, 2009 Share Posted 31 July, 2009 Anderson was transformed today but Onions is really starting to impress and seriously quick with it. Bopara lost concentration again but Bell looked better although lucky with that LBW shout. Strauss in the form of his life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 31 July, 2009 Share Posted 31 July, 2009 (edited) Bell in hitting-a-six shocker Fair play to him, I'm one of his biggest critics but I just hope that when play resumes he can control his nerves and build a good partnership with Strauss - who is proving a bit of a talisman by leading from the front: again. Bit peeved Bopara failed again - I haven't seen the wicket yet but I'm starting to get the feeling he is just not cut out for the high pressure Test games. He's a consistent failure in the big series and someone maybe with a more steely determination would be better suited. Broad... hmmmm, he's quite useful for the bat and for that reason alone I think he's being retained. He's not bad against the lesser sides (like Bopara) but when it comes to the big series it appears he's just not ready. Maybe he needs to go back to County cricket for the last couple of tests and be replaced by a seasoned, fired-up campaigner like Sidebottom (maybe even Harmy?) for the run-in. Hopefully SB will find his 'next gear' in the next couple of years before the next Ashes series but he does look a bit short at the moment. Not too worried about Cook though, to be honest. He's proven at Test Level but appears to have found himself in a bit of a sticky patch of late. Still, no reason or excuse to cull him... and he's still got another innings (potentially) to start scoring runs again. I think we're very fortunate that even though we appear to be carrying two or three players, we are fortunate enough that the Aussies are carrying a couple more than us. If we play our cards right and make the right selections for last two tests, we'll get that urn back. Optimistic shout I know but maybe, just maybe, if we can knock up in excess of 400 or so and have a right go at the Aussies on the fourth day then maybe we can extend our lead - and deservedly so. Edited 31 July, 2009 by Crab Lungs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwarwick Posted 31 July, 2009 Share Posted 31 July, 2009 Bell in hitting-a-six shocker Fair play to him, I'm one of his biggest critics but I just hope that when play resumes he can control his nerves and build a good partnership with Strauss - who is proving a bit of a talisman by leading from the front: again. Bit peeved Bopara failed again - I haven't seen the wicket yet but I'm starting to get the feeling he is just not cut out for the high pressure Test games. He's a consistent failure in the big series and someone maybe with a more steely determination would be better suited. Broad... hmmmm, he's quite useful for the bat and for that reason alone I think he's being retained. He's not bad against the lesser sides (like Bopara) but when it comes to the big series it appears he's just not ready. Maybe he needs to go back to County cricket for the last couple of tests and be replaced by a seasoned, fired-up campaigner like Sidebottom (maybe even Harmy?) for the run-in. Hopefully SB will find his 'next gear' in the next couple of years before the next Ashes series but he does look a bit short at the moment. Not too worried about Cook though, to be honest. He's proven at Test Level but appears to have found himself in a bit of a sticky patch of late. Still, no reason or excuse to cull him... and he's still got another innings (potentially) to start scoring runs again. I think we're very fortunate that even though we appear to be carrying two or three players, we are fortunate enough that the Aussies are carrying a couple more than us. If we play our cards right and make the right selections for last two tests, we'll get that urn back. Optimistic shout I know but maybe, just maybe, if we can knock up in excess of 400 or so and have a right go at the Aussies on the fourth day then maybe we can extend our lead - and deservedly so. As I pointed out above the bloke is only 24 and has only played eight tests, two against Australia so far, so if you are writing him of already who is the replacement we are ready to redicule after two match failures? Interesting you think Cook is nothing to be worried about but apart from his 95 at Lords his other four innings so far have averaged only 12, ok for Cook to be given loads of chances (and he is only proven at test level because he was given a run) but write of Bopara at the first attempt :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 31 July, 2009 Share Posted 31 July, 2009 As I pointed out above the bloke is only 24 and has only played eight tests, two against Australia so far, so if you are writing him of already who is the replacement we are ready to redicule after two match failures? Interesting you think Cook is nothing to be worried about but apart from his 95 at Lords his other four innings so far have averaged only 12, ok for Cook to be given loads of chances (and he is only proven at test level because he was given a run) but write of Bopara at the first attempt :confused: Y'know, the only paragraph I had doubts about was the with what I said about Bopara. I'm not writing his career off completely and I am aware he is still the infancy of his Test career... However, I don't believe Bopara to be mentally tough enough for these big series.... yet. You might argue that the only way to learn in play him in these series, but I would beg to differ as that could be at detriment to the team. Anyway, for what it's worth, I hope proves me wrong. I don't think he will in this series though, however. Having said that... this Aussie side is pretty poor so maybe that says something about alot of our players abilities? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 1 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 1 August, 2009 Start delayed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iowsaintsfan Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 I have a bet with a guy at work that Katich and Clarke outscore Bopara and Bell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 1 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 1 August, 2009 No play until 1.40 and then only if there is no more rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 1 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 1 August, 2009 Could be a total washout going by the latest Cricinfo report : "It's almost as soft as the first day," says Rudi of the bowlers' run-ups. Another inspection at 1.30pm. Miserable weather, no wind, no sun to help dry it out, and we're some way short of watching any cricket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintjersey Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 Hopefully we will get a full days play tomorrow, but this really does have a draw written all over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 4 down. Mr Cricket out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Draw all over it...since day one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Draw all over it...since day one Why? Sure, a draw is the favourite, but there are still 69 overs left to be bowled today. If we can get the Aussies out for around 300 either side of tea, then we will have 35-40 overs to chase 180ish. Not impossible. The match certainly hasn't had a draw all over it since day 1, but that the utterly pointless, depressing, negative attitude I have come to expect from people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 The match certainly hasn't had a draw all over it since day 1, but that the utterly pointless, depressing, negative attitude I have come to expect from people. Not a negative attitude, the aussies are too good to get out in such few overs, more a realistic view. I would love to be wrong of course and see them skittled out asap and for us to blast our way to victory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Not a negative attitude, the aussies are too good to get out in such few overs, more a realistic view. I would love to be wrong of course and see them skittled out asap and for us to blast our way to victory. Why? If we get this next wicket (undoubtably the key one), then we hit a debutant wicketkeeper, followed by the bowlers. Draw is favourite, but England certainly have a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 lets hope so eh! I got vast amounts of alcohol on the Ashes so fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne Saint Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 I've been in Sydney for the last 4 days and haven't had net access. Barring a dramatic collapse, and there have already been a few so we can't rule it out, we should hold on for the draw. I'm sure there will be a number of changes for the fourth test, but none could be more important than Rudi Koertzen getting dropped. The poor guy just isn't up to it anymore. We've been outplayed for the past two games as it is but it's just unacceptable to be able to reel off 7 or 8 bad decisions in the last two tests (including another one 15 minutes ago). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 It will be a draw now, odds are about 1/100, but it's been a very good Test match in spite of the weather. With 5 full days a result was certainly a very good bet, as it is it's only really been since lunch you could say it looks a near certain draw. Then again the Aussies might declare and leave England say 200 in 35 overs ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Aussies 291/4 just starting final session. Should be stumps at 5.30, time for North and Clarke to make centuries. On to Headingley on Friday, cannot see any changes for England but Lee may well be fit for Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Aussies 291/4 just starting final session. Should be stumps at 5.30, time for North and Clarke to make centuries. On to Headingley on Friday, cannot see any changes for England but Lee may well be fit for Australia. possibly Harmlesson for Broad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 possibly Harmlesson for Broad. Broad has bowled quite well in 2nd innings to be fair, in fact probably underbowled. 2/32 off 14 overs. With his far better batting I'd be surprised if he is left out. The game is just petering out with I suspect the Aussies set to declare once Clarke reaches his century. North was out for 96, a brilliant catch by Anderson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Lol, Broad has just hit Clarke's off stump but the bails stayed on ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Finally Clarke gets to his century, Aussies declare and it's a draw. Actually wishful thinking as Clarke is still on 96, is taking an eternity to get his ton and was just brilliantly caught by Anderson but off a no ball ! Oh and they are having drinks, this is farcical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 3 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Yessssssssss, Clarke reaches 103 and it IS the end of the game thankfully. It was like a movie where you know the end but still want to watch it right through anyway. Just for stattos Clarke has a test average now of 50.08 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NN2 Saint Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 I was there today atmosphere was amazing and to be honest after lunch in our section no-one seemed interested in the cricket after lunch the banter with the aussies was a lot better. Some of the bowling was terrible tho and the aussies never really seemed under any sort of pressure. Well worth £15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 Bopara bowling? Really? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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